Where to take your old computer depends on its condition and what you want to happen to it
An old computer that no longer works for you has three main paths: resale if it still runs, donation to a school or nonprofit if it runs but you don't need it, or recycling through an e-waste program if it's broken or too outdated to use. The choice matters because computers contain materials worth recovering — copper, gold, aluminum — and also toxic substances like lead and mercury that belong in a controlled facility, not a landfill. Your local waste authority, manufacturer, or a retailer you buy from can often take it for free or a small fee.
Before you move the computer anywhere, back up or wipe the hard drive. A factory reset on Windows or macOS removes most personal files, but for complete security, use free tools like DBAN (Darik's Boot Nuke) or Eraser to overwrite the drive. If the computer won't start, remove the hard drive physically and destroy it yourself, or let the recycler handle it — but tell them you want the drive destroyed, not resold.
Key Takeaways
- Wipe or destroy the hard drive before giving away or recycling any computer, because a factory reset does not permanently erase personal files.
- Working computers in decent condition can be sold on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or Craigslist, or donated to schools, libraries, and nonprofits that refurbish them.
- Broken computers and very old models belong in e-waste recycling programs run by your city, county, or electronics retailers like Best Buy.
- Manufacturer take-back programs and mail-in recyclers are free or low-cost options if you have no local e-waste drop-off nearby.
- Never throw a computer in the trash or curbside recycling, because the materials require special handling and it is illegal in most states.
Selling a working computer online
If your computer powers on, runs its operating system, and has no cracked screen or missing keys, you can sell it. List it on Facebook Marketplace, Craigslist, or eBay with clear photos of the exterior and screen, the processor type (Intel Core i5, AMD Ryzen 7, etc.), the amount of RAM, and the storage size. Be honest about cosmetic damage — dents, scratches, and worn keys lower the price but do not stop a sale if the machine works. Price it 30 to 50 percent below what a new equivalent costs; a five-year-old laptop that cost $800 new might fetch $200 to $300 used.
Before you list it, run a speed test on the hard drive using CrystalDiskInfo (free, Windows) or Disk Utility (built into macOS) to check for failing sectors. A computer with a failing drive is worth less and may not be worth shipping. For local sales, meet in a public place and bring the power adapter. For shipping, use a padded box and declare the value to the carrier so it is insured in transit.
Donating to schools, libraries, and nonprofits
Schools, libraries, community centers, and nonprofits often accept working computers. Call ahead to ask what they need — some want laptops only, others take desktops, and many have specific processor or RAM requirements. Goodwill and the Salvation Army accept computers at their thrift stores, though they may charge a small fee to take it. Nonprofit refurbishers like TechSoup, World Computer Exchange, and local groups in your area take older machines, wipe them, and send them to schools in low-income areas or overseas.
Donating is faster than selling and requires no shipping. You get a receipt for tax purposes if the organization is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. The computer must power on and have a working operating system; most nonprofits cannot accept machines that need repair. Ask whether they want the power adapter and original discs or documentation — some do, some do not.
E-waste recycling through your city or county
Most cities and counties run free or low-cost e-waste collection days or drop-off sites. Search "[your city] e-waste recycling" or "[your county] hazardous waste" to find the nearest location and hours. Some programs take computers year-round at a central facility; others hold collection events a few times a year. A few charge a small fee — typically $5 to $15 per computer — to cover the cost of safe dismantling.
At the drop-off, you hand over the computer and walk away. The facility separates the materials: copper and aluminum are melted down and sold, circuit boards are processed to recover gold and other metals, and toxic substances like mercury are contained. The whole process keeps these materials out of landfills and reduces the mining needed for new electronics. Bring your computer as-is; you do not need to remove the hard drive, though you can if you prefer.
Manufacturer and retailer take-back programs
Dell, HP, Lenovo, Apple, and other manufacturers run mail-in recycling programs. Visit the manufacturer's website, search for "recycling" or "take-back," and follow the steps to print a shipping label. Some programs are free; others charge $10 to $30 depending on the computer size and condition. You pack the computer, drop it at a UPS or FedEx location, and the manufacturer handles the rest. This works well if you have no local e-waste program or prefer not to drive.
Best Buy, Micro Center, and other electronics retailers accept computers at the register, often for free if you bought it there. Some charge a recycling fee of $10 to $25 if you did not buy it from them. Call the store first to confirm they accept computers and whether they charge. Staples also runs a recycling program for computers and electronics.
What to do if the hard drive won't erase
If your computer will not start or the operating system is corrupted, you cannot run a factory reset. In this case, physically remove the hard drive yourself if you are comfortable opening the case — most laptops have a panel on the bottom that unscrews, and desktops have a side panel. The drive is a rectangular metal box about the size of a deck of cards. Unplug the power, disconnect the drive from its cable, and set it aside. Take the computer to e-waste recycling without the drive, and destroy the drive separately by drilling holes through it or taking it to a shredding service.
If you do not want to open the case, tell the recycler that the drive must be destroyed and not resold. Most reputable e-waste facilities will do this, but confirm before you drop it off. Some recyclers charge extra — $10 to $20 — for certified drive destruction if you need proof for compliance reasons.
Selling parts if the computer is broken
If the computer does not power on but has a working graphics card, RAM, or solid-state drive, you can remove and sell those parts. Open the case, take photos of each component, and list them separately on eBay or specialized forums like r/hardwareswap on Reddit. A working graphics card or CPU can fetch $50 to $200 depending on the model and age. RAM and SSDs sell for $20 to $100. This takes more effort than selling the whole machine, but if the computer is too broken to resell intact, parting it out recovers some value.
After you remove the valuable parts, take the rest of the case and motherboard to e-waste recycling. Do not throw it in the trash or try to sell it as a "parts computer" unless you are clear that it does not power on — misleading a buyer about a broken machine can result in a return or complaint.
Why you cannot throw a computer in the trash
Computers contain lead, mercury, and cadmium — heavy metals that leach into soil and groundwater when buried in a landfill. They also contain valuable materials like copper and gold that are expensive to mine but cheap to recover from old electronics. Most U.S. states have laws against throwing computers in the trash or curbside recycling. Violating these laws can result in fines for individuals, though enforcement is usually directed at businesses. More importantly, proper recycling keeps toxins out of the environment and reduces the energy and water needed to produce new computers.
Curbside recycling programs in most areas do not accept computers because the materials jam the sorting machinery and contaminate other recyclables. Even if your program says "electronics," call to confirm they mean computers — many accept only small items like cables and chargers.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know if my computer is worth selling?
If it powers on, the screen works, and the keyboard and trackpad are functional, it is worth listing. Check the processor and RAM — computers from the last five years with an Intel Core i5 or better and 8 GB of RAM or more typically sell. Older or slower machines may not attract buyers. Use eBay's completed listings to see what similar models sold for recently.
Can I donate a computer that is slow or has a cracked screen?
Most nonprofits want machines that work without repair. A slow computer may still be useful to a school or library if the processor and RAM are adequate. A cracked screen usually disqualifies it unless the nonprofit has a repair program. Call first and describe the damage — some organizations accept machines they can refurbish, others do not.
What if I do not have a receipt from the manufacturer for recycling?
You do not need a receipt. Manufacturer take-back programs accept any computer, whether you bought it from them or not. Some charge a fee if you cannot prove purchase, but most waive it. Retailer programs like Best Buy may charge more if you did not buy it there, but they still accept it.
How long does it take to sell a computer online?
Facebook Marketplace and Craigslist sales usually happen within a few days to a week if the price is fair and the photos are clear. eBay auctions run for seven to ten days. Local pickup is faster than shipping. If your computer does not sell within two weeks, lower the price or relist it.
Is it safe to mail a computer through the post office?
Yes, but use a carrier like UPS or FedEx, not the post office, because they offer better insurance and tracking. Pack the computer in a padded box with bubble wrap around all sides, and declare the full value so it is insured if it arrives damaged. The buyer should inspect it when ready and report damage to the carrier within 24 hours.